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North Fork of the White River Monitoring for Channel Stability, Sediment Effects, and Large Wood Structures

Project Investigators

Bob Pavlowsky

Marc Owen

Project Scope

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is reconstructing and improving the recreational site known as the North Fork Recreational Area located of the North Fork of the White River in Ozark County, Missouri. Work includes relocation of the boat ramp, improving the day use area, and the placement of large wood in-stream to improve aquatic habitat conditions. The purpose of this project is to improve user experience in the recreational area and to reduce the current adverse effects to aquatic habitat near and downstream of the recreational area. The USFS is partnering with OEWRI to monitor the short-term effects of in-stream sediment generated during construction and the long-term benefits to aquatic habitat with the use of large wood in-stream.

Project Goals

The objectives of this study include:
1. Determine the downstream effect of in-stream fine sediment during construction;
2. Examine the chronic or permanent fine sediment effects on the North Fork; and
3. Monitor changes to stream morphology from the use of in-stream wood structures.